Educational, School, & Family Programs
Welcome educators! The Maine Historical Society offers a variety of programs and resources designed to help teachers and students explore Maine history. These include programs at our one-acre campus in Portland and in schools across the state, professional development opportunities for teachers, outreach programs, partnerships with schools around Maine, and resources on the web.
All programs draw on MHS's extensive historical collections and the knowledge of our professional staff. All our programs can be adapted to meet the needs of students in grades K–16 and have been designed in accordance with Maine Learning Results and Common Core State Standards.
K-16 Educational Programs
What are the K-16 educational programs offered by MHS?
Elementary School
Middle and High School
Colleges and Universities
Library Educational Programs (all grade levels)
What is the length of each program?
Each of MHS's education programs lasts approximately one hour. Programs can be combined for two and three hour visits.
What is the cost of each program?
On Site Programs:
- up to 15 students: $75
- 16-31 students: $150
- 31-50 students: $225
Classroom Visits:
Cost for classroom visits range from no cost to $60. Please see the individual program descriptions for pricing.
How can I schedule a visit to MHS with my students?
Plan and schedule a visit to MHS.
What do I need to know when planning a visit with my students to MHS?
Before you visit, check out orientation video, "The Top 5 Things You Need To Know". Hosted by our 2015 Junior Docents, this short video gives a quick tour of the MHS campus and is a great way to prepare students for what they will see and learn about during their visit. View Orientation Video.
Online Resources and Lesson Plans
Maine Memory Network
Maine's statewide, FREE, digital museum with a collection of more than 45,000 primary sources and objects!
Finding Katahdin
Lesson plans, primary sources, and activities for Maine history!
Longfellow Online
Information about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, including lesson plans and the poetry database!
Professional Development and State Initiatives
Professional Development for Teachers
Learn about our teacher workshops and other opportunities and offerings just for educators.
Summer Camps & Family Programs
Maine Historical Society is a great place for families to visit and spend a day! Learn more about what there is to see and do by planning your visit and checking out our calendar of events.
Junior Docent Camp 2017
Junior Docent Camp I, July 10 - 14, 2017
Junior Docent Camp II (with Victoria Mansion), July 24 - 28, 2017
Participants in Junior Docent Camp will explore life in 18th and 19th century Portland and go behind the scenes at some of Maine's premiere historic locations and museums.
Junior Docent Camp I (for 3rd-5th grade campers) is based at Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, the boyhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Junior Docent Camp II (for 6th-8th grade and returning JDC 1 campers) is based at Maine Historical Society and Victoria Mansion. Both camps offer a fun mix of indoor and outdoor activities including historic games, gardening, crafts, cooking, and storytelling.
Learn how the people of Portland's past lived, played, dined, studied and what it's like to work at a history museum!
For more information, contact the Manager of Education and Interpretive Programs at (207) 774-1822 x214 or by email.
The Children's Hour
Once a month every summer, Maine Historical Society invites children ages 4-9 to celebrate reading and literature in an hour-long program called The Children's Hour. The program begins with a read-aloud of a favorite children's book, followed by a fun craft-making activity inspired by the story. Check our program listing for the next Children's Hour event.
